Genesis 29: Lessons from Jacob’s Life in Haran About What Jesus Offers You

Introduction: In this account, Jacob meets his uncle Laban in Haran and marries his two daughters, Leah and Rachel. Because this account spans more than 14 years and includes different subjects, it might seem like it should be broken apart into different chapters. The subjects include: (1) God’s deliverance of Jacob through the wilderness to Haran; (2) Jacob’s encounter and provision for the shepherds of three flocks who were waiting by a covered well to water their flocks; (3) the joy of Jacob, Rachel, and Laban at their meeting; (4) Jacob’s love for Rachel, and his agreement to work seven years for her marriage; (5) Laban’s deceit in sending the older sister Leah to Jacob; (6) God’s compassion upon the unloved Leah by giving her four sons; and (7) Leah’s praise for God after her fourth son. Yet, these accounts are all related. These accounts should be read on two levels. First, the accounts reveal the origins of the 12 tribes of Israel. These accounts also foreshadow what Jesus offers you in the wilderness of life.

First, God safely guided Jacob through the wilderness to his uncle Laban’s house. Jesus also offers to guide and protect you in the wilderness. Second, Jacob rolled back a rock that produced water for the three flocks. Jesus was both the rock and the well of abundant water. The three flocks symbolized all of God’s people. From this symbolism, God reveals that He offers abundant life to all His people. Third, God brought joy to Jacob, Rachel, and Laban by bringing them together. Jesus also offers you the joy of the Spirit when you are united with Him. Fourth, Jacob loved Rachel and willingly labored seven years to marry her. Jesus also loves you and His Church. He also labored on Earth so that He could marry both you and His Church in heaven. Fifth, after his seven years of labor, Laban deceived Jacob, just as Jacob deceived Isaac. Laban tricked Jacob by sending her sister Leah into Jacob’s tent on their wedding night. After being tricked, Jacob labored for seven more years and entered into a polygamous marriage with two wives. Here, everyone sinned. Everyone was in need of salvation. Jesus so loved the Church that He came and died to give every sinner the chance to be married to Him in heaven. Sixth, Leah was the unloved wife who suffered the most. God responded with compassion by blessing her with four children. Jesus is also compassionate and blesses the humble and the meek. Finally, after her fourth child, Leah’s focus turned from herself and her unloving husband to God. She finally learned to praise God. Jesus also wants you to praise Him and give thanks.

1. Jesus Offers to Guide and Protect You in the Wilderness. Gen. 29:1-6.

2. Jesus Offers You Abundant Life in the Wilderness. Gen. 29:7-10.

Raphael 1483 – 1520 Jacob and Laban's Daughters1

3. Jesus Offers You the Joy of the Holy Spirit. Gen. 29:11-14.

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669 (Laban Greets Jacob)2

4. Jesus Loves You and Labored for You. Gen. 29:15-20.

5. Jesus Paid the Price for the Sins of Mankind. Gen. 29:21-30.

6. Jesus is Compassionate and Blesses the Humble and Meek. Gen. 29:31-34.

7. Jesus Wants Your Worship and Your Gratitude. Gen. 29:35.